Vet Guide 2025: Monkeypox in Humans—Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention 🦠🧍‍♂️🐾

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious zoonotic disease—meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Although it's historically been more common in central and western Africa, outbreaks have now occurred in other regions, including the United States 🌍.

In 2025, awareness is key. Understanding how monkeypox spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself, your pets, and your community is essential. As Dr Duncan Houston, I’m here to walk you through everything pet owners and animal professionals need to know 🧠🐾.

📚 What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the viruses that cause smallpox, cowpox, and vaccinia (used in smallpox vaccines). Although milder than smallpox, monkeypox can still cause serious illness 🦠.

First discovered in 1958 during outbreaks in monkey colonies used for research, the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, cases have been reported in multiple African countries and, more recently, in North America and Europe due to international travel and imported animals 🌐.

🔍 How Is Monkeypox Transmitted?

📦 Animal-to-Human Transmission:

• 🐿️ Bites or scratches from infected wild animals (especially African rodents)
• 🧫 Contact with body fluids or lesion material
• 🛏️ Indirect contact with contaminated bedding or surfaces
• 🥩 Handling or eating bush meat

🤒 Human-to-Human Transmission:

• 💦 Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact
• 🖐️ Direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids
• 👚 Contact with contaminated clothing or linens

The monkeypox virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). Respiratory transmission requires extended exposure, unlike airborne viruses such as measles or COVID-19 🫁.

🧫 Where Does the Virus Come From?

The natural reservoir of monkeypox is still unknown, but scientists suspect certain African rodents play a key role in transmission. In the wild, the virus has only been recovered twice:

• 🐿️ From a rope squirrel in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1985)
• 🐒 From a deceased infant mangabey in Côte d’Ivoire (2012)

Despite the name, monkeys are not the reservoir—they were simply the first animals observed with the disease in lab settings 🧪.

👨‍⚕️ Symptoms of Monkeypox in Humans

Monkeypox symptoms usually appear within 5–21 days after exposure and can include:

• 🌡️ Fever
• 🤕 Headache
• 🦵 Muscle aches and back pain
• 😫 Fatigue
• 🤧 Swollen lymph nodes (a key difference from smallpox)
• 🩹 A characteristic rash that evolves from flat spots to pustules and eventually crusts

Most people recover within 2–4 weeks. However, in some cases—especially in children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems—the disease can be severe or even fatal ⚠️.

🧍‍♀️ Who’s at Risk?

In 2025, the following groups may be at increased risk:

• 🌍 Travelers to or from areas where monkeypox is endemic
• 🧪 People handling or importing exotic animals
• 🐾 Veterinarians, zoo workers, and pet store staff
• 🏠 Household contacts of infected individuals

🐕 Can Pets Get Monkeypox?

Yes. While more data is needed, some species—especially rodents and small mammals—can contract monkeypox and may play a role in transmission. If your pet is sick and has had contact with an infected person or animal, contact your veterinarian immediately 🚨.

🧼 How to Prevent Monkeypox

🔒 Avoid Contact With Potential Carriers

• 🐾 Don’t handle sick or dead wild animals—especially rodents and monkeys
• 🚫 Avoid bush meat and exotic animal markets

🧤 Practice Proper Hygiene

• 🧼 Wash hands after animal or human contact
• 🧴 Use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap isn't available

😷 Use Protective Equipment When Necessary

• 👩‍⚕️ Wear gloves, masks, and gowns when caring for sick animals or people
• 🧽 Disinfect any bedding, surfaces, or laundry that may be contaminated

🏥 Isolate Infected Individuals

• 🛏️ Keep infected patients away from healthy pets and people
• 📞 Notify health authorities if exposure occurs

📉 Monkeypox in the U.S. and Beyond

The 2003 U.S. outbreak marked the first time monkeypox was detected outside of Africa. Linked to imported African rodents and their contact with pet prairie dogs, dozens of people became infected 😷.

That incident changed importation rules and raised global awareness. Today, surveillance and education continue to be vital in preventing future outbreaks 🧭.

📲 Ask A Vet: Protecting Pets and People

Have questions about monkeypox exposure for your pets or yourself? At AskAVet.com and the Ask A Vet app, our team of licensed veterinarians is available 24/7 to guide you through zoonotic risks, animal care, and household safety 📱🐾.

✅ Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Prepared

Monkeypox is rare, but awareness saves lives. With responsible animal handling, hygiene, and communication with your healthcare and veterinary providers, you can stay safe and keep your pets healthy too 🐕🧼🧍‍♂️.

In 2025, let’s continue learning, reporting, and protecting—together 🛡️❤️.